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Manus Road Cedar Glade Class II Natural-Scientific State Natural Area

Manus Road is a 22-acre natural area that is located in Rutherford County
approximately 10 miles east of Murfreesboro. It supports a high quality
limestone cedar glade with rare and endemic plants that include the federally
endangered Pyne's ground plum, (Astragalus bibullatus), evolvulus
(Evolvulus nuttallianus) and Tennessee milk-vetch (Astragalus
tennesseensis). This Manus Road population of Pyne's ground plum is
only one of three populations that is known to occur. All three populations
are located within a twelve-mile radius of Murfreesboro. The population
is comprised of colonies scattered throughout this area. It was discovered
by a private landowner who had read a featured article in the Murfreesboro
Daily News Journal about the protection of Pyne's ground plum at Flat
Rock State Natural Area. After discovering it on his property, he contacted
the Division of Natural Areas and expressed interest in helping protect
the plant. He subsequently sold the land to the State at fair market value
to be protected as a state natural area.

The acquisition of this property was made possible through funding provided
by U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) with matching funds from the
State. The USFWS has also provided additional funding for site protection
to fence the area to prevent illegal use and prevent damage to the natural
area from activities like off-road-vehicle use. This cooperation between
the USFWS and State aids in the recovery of this species with the intent
to keep Pyne's ground plum from becoming extinct.

The natural area is largely open glades in shallow soil and limestone
outcropping. Some small barrens areas with perennial grasses like little
bluestem and various forbs are scattered about the site. Small areas of
shrubs, cedar, and hardwood trees are also interspersed across the natural
area. The usual species of shrubs including glade privet, coralberry,
St. Johnswort, and winged sumac occur here along with cedars, winged elm,
ash, hackberries, southern shagbark hickory and various oaks.

SITE MANAGEMENT

PUBLIC ACCESS

No public access is provided.

DIRECTIONS

From I-24 exit 81 B and go about one quarter mile on Church St. and
turn right on S. Rutherford Blvd. and then proceed approximately two miles
and then turn right on Bradyville Pike and go east for about five miles
then turn left on Manus Rd. and go about two miles.